Lawrence Township Public Schools recently released the following news items: Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute Award The Lawrence High School (LHS) chapter of the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute (LMTI) was selected as one of the top five “Most Outstanding Prevention Action Groups” in New Jersey for 2010-2011. The mission of LMTI is to guide young people to realize their leadership potential and become empowered to create positive changes in themselves, their schools, and their communities. The award was presented to Tonia Moore and her students at the Summer Leadership Conference on Aug. 26, 2011. …
The timing may not be intentional, but the Christie administration’s announcement Thursday of its pilot teacher evaluation system in 11 districts came almost to the day on a conspicuous anniversary. It was a year ago -- and a week -- that Gov. Chris Christie fired Bret Schundler as his education commissioner over what was a mishap on the state’s failed application for federal Race to the Top money, a grant that aimed to put in place this very evaluation system statewide. A firestorm erupted and accusations flew, and tensions only heightened over how the administration was going to handle …
Editor's note: The author is Lisa Rodgers, a South Brunswick mother and PTO member. Does your child's schedule look anything like this? Monday: Band practice, school, dance class/sports practice Tuesday: School, tae kwon do Wednesday: Band practice, school, cheerleading/sports practice Thursday: School, tae kwon do Friday: Band practice, school, football game Saturday: Gymnastics, karate tournaments Sunday: Religious Events/friends/family Wow! I hope not. What is missing in that schedule? Where does homework, family time, relaxing, reading, meals, being a kid and sleep fit into that …
The start of school is right around the corner. It’s a time of anticipation, trepidation and spending. For college students, like those starting at or returning to Drew, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the College of St. Elizabeth for orientation or the start of classes this week and next, it’s a very expensive month. At these private schools, the cost for tuition, room and board ranges from $38,000 a year to more than $50,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of a private college more than doubled between 1990 and 2008, much higher than the 63 percent rate of …
Editor's note: The author is Lisa Rodgers, a South Brunswick mother and PTO member. So, how often does one get to come home from school or work and have a relaxing evening filled with nothing else to do except to chill out? Ha! Almost never, right? Usually it goes like this – 4 p.m., get home from school with Johnny, grab a snack, change clothes, start on homework. But then Mom has to run to the grocery store and stop at another store to get the thing you need for school tomorrow, and little brother needs to be picked up from Billy's house. Mom, I'm hungry. One more stop, then we can go …
Editor's note: The author is Lisa Rodgers, a South Brunswick mother and PTO member. It probably started in preschool when your child was playing with a house and a big mean four and a half year old just came over and stole their stuff right out of your sweet innocent little child's precious little hands. How dare they?! The fact is, kids can be mean. Heck, adults can be mean too. Just think about all the mean adults that drive on Route One! You can't be with your child 24/7 to protect them from the school bully. You can't control what other children do; but you can control how your child …
Editor's note: The author is Lisa Rodgers, a South Brunswick mother and PTO member. "Okay, you need to start getting ready for bed. Please take your bath, brush your teeth and get your pajamas on. It's getting late." If you have a bedtime routine, good for you! Bedtime routines are so vital, especially for young children, so consider adding one more piece to your routine -- give your kids a chance to tell you about their school day. Your child is in school all day and the teacher is with your son or daughter for an average of 30 hours a week. That's almost the equivalent of a full work week. …
